as well representative paul ryan, who probably envisioned the inauguration much differently months ago when he was part of the republican presidential ticket. it is my obligation, ryan said at a republican retreat. a republican of tennessee, a member of the joined congressional committee on inaugural ceremonies said that it is about the peaceful transition or reaffirmation of power. this is the 57th time the the president of the u.s. has been sworn in, and it has always been done without a mall, without insurrection, without a coup. that is why, whether you voted for mitt romney or barack obama, americans will stop and watch the inauguration and celebrate tradition. even so, republicans will stay awake and will lead democrats revel in their absence. but if you are an elected leader, you have to be there, said a republican strategist. otherwise you would probably want to get out of town, three- day weekend and all. jackson is in louisville, kentucky, independent line. you are on c-span. caller: good morning. i would just like to say that it is very disheartening for me as a first-time v